Conservation challenges

On Providenciales, many of the wetlands have suffered severe environmental degradation, as a result of rapid development for real estate and tourism, although areas of value remain through the protected area and National Parks system. An even greater threat to the natural environment is posed by the proposals for large-scale developments on the uninhabited islands, currently prime habitats for endemic species such as rock iguana and the remaining breeding sites for turtles.

Bahama woodstar hummingbird (endemic to TCI and the Bahamas), feeding on nectar from the flower of a cactus. Copyright: Dr Mike Pienkowski

It is commonplace for physical developments to fail to take account their potential impact on biodiversity. This has resulted in significant damage to fragile habitats. Although not mandatory, environment impact assessments are binding commitments in the Environment Charters; if done by qualified persons and conducted in a transparent way can be helpful to developers and actually save them money.

Proposals for large-scale developments on the uninhabited islands are a persistent threat, for example on East Caicos, part of the Ramsar Site and prime habitats for endemic species such as all 9 species of endemic plants, breeding sites for seabirds and turtles. So are developments which are unlikely to have real economic benefits and which would be detrimental to the environment and TCI’s reputation, e.g. a proposed dolphinarium on Grand Turk.

Invasive species are a major threat to the native fauna and flora of the island. TCRF is tackling the invasion of lionfish with sponsored tournaments. Other threats on land include the Casuarina or Australian pine, which sadly has spread over much of the islands where the ground has been disturbed, often on sites where the developments have not been finished. This species shades out native plants and poisons them by secretions from its roots.

Other introduced pests, such as the scale Toumeyella parvicornis, probably introduced by importation of Christmas trees from the US, have had a devastating impact on native flora.

Caicos pine nursery on North Caicos. Copyright: UKOTCF

In particular, the Caicos pine, Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis, endemic to TCI and the Bahamas, has been heavily impacted. This species, which is the National Tree, occurs naturally in specific zones in Middle Caicos, North Caicos and Pine Cay. It is the dominant species of the pine forest ecosystem that covers about 13 km² in the TCI. The Caicos Pine Recovery Project (CPRP), a joint initiative between DECR and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, aims to build capacity and awareness to save this national endemic and threatened tree.

Decline of fish stocks (particularly spiny lobster and conch), as a result of habitat loss in the marine environment and overharvesting, will impact the livelihoods of the coastal communities in TCI. Furthermore, traditional fishing practices on the island include a legal directed and opportunistic turtle fishery that takes approximately 700 green and hawksbill turtles per year. The Marine Conservation Society has been working with local fishermen on TCI for over a decade to engage stakeholders fully in developing a durable turtle fishery management plan that includes appropriate measures for the Islanders’ traditional use of turtles and which facilitates protection of the larger size-classes and breeding adult turtles in TCI waters. This has resulted in legislation developed with stakeholder views considered. The ‘Size Matters’ campaign aimed to ensure minimum catch size to ensure juvenile sea-turtles are not caught.

Deforestation of dry forests continues, mainly for charcoal production and building materials for extremely poor, but nevertheless illegal, immigrants from neighbouring Haiti.

The high percentage of land lower than 50 m above sea-level means that TCI’s largely coastal community, as well as much of its wildlife, is extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise cause by climate change.

The UKOTs and CDs contain 94% of the unique wildlife which the UK is responsible for under international conventions. They also contain some of the most precious and fragile habitats on Earth. Support them

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Defra, has asked us to make UKOTs/CDs aware of education packs recently produced on illegal wildlife trade by Tale2Tail and WWF-UK and . At UKOTCF’s suggestion following this request, Defra/WWF have arranged for their packages to be available without the previous complex application procedures. Whilst the examples do not relate directly to UKOTs/CDs and illegal wildlife trade, the general issues are addressed and the materials well made.

A site in the Adopt a Home for Wildlife initiative of UKOTCF & Montserrat National Trust is also an experimental location for reintroduction of 'mountain chicken' frogs - whose survival is threatened by an introduced fungus. Our video describes testing the experimental manipulation of conditions to help the frogs overcome this.

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Several non-governmental organisations exist. The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, was established to preserve and protect the marine environment of the Islands. Turks and Caicos National Museum brings together cultural heritage and natural heritage in their museum sites on Grand Turk and Providenciales. Turks & Caicos National Trust was established to protect natural historical and cultural heritage.

UKOTCF has been involved in projects in the TCI, for over 20 years. Some of these activities include: a Darwin-funded project to develop a management plan for TCI's Ramsar site; a strategy workshop on how to Implement the Environment Charter; Wonderful Water education project; a protected to manage protected areas to support sustainable tourismRead more

There are 8 endemic plant species and a further 50 species restricted to the region. There are several species of reptiles found nowhere else including tho world's smallest boa constrictor. The islands are home to a variety of birds, including many migratory birds. 60 species of corals are found in the inshore fringing reefs. Off-shore species such as humpback whales, bluefin tuna, billfish, sharks, rays are found. Read more

The Islands are a superb complex of natural coral reefs, tidal flats, mangroves and marshlands, which provide a haven for wildlife, as well as the natural basis of these fisheries and tourism industries.Read moreVirtual tour

They were a centre of the Lucayan people until 1520. A century later Bermudians began collecting salt from naturally occurring salinas. African slaves were brought to work the saltpans. After the American War of Independence, fleeing Loyalists were granted land and built plantations (mainly for cotton) in the Caicos Islands. By emancipation in 1834 most plantation left, leaving forced-labourers to live off the land. Read more

The Turks and Caicos Islands, or TCI, lie south east of the Bahamas chain, 145 km north of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and 925 km south east of Miami. About 500 sq km of land is divided between 120 low islands and cays (pronounced keys) situated on shallow banks. The total area of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is 154,058 km². Read more

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This page allows you to make one-off donations or set up a regular subscription to support ongoing conservation efforts across the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. To find our more about how donations are used read more

Superb wetlands where the land meets the sea: A superb complex of natural coral reefs, tidal flats, mangroves and marshlands provide a haven for wildlife, and the natural basis of fisheries and tourism. The islands provide a home for at least 14 unique plants, reptiles (including the rock iguana), and an unknown number of invertebrates, as well as the vulnerable reddish egret and West Indian whistling duck. Read more

The Caribbean's Emerald Isle: Despite its small size, Montserrat supports at least 132 tree species, 59 species of birds and 13 mammals. The Montserrat oriole is found nowhere else. Also restricted to Montserrat are the galliwasp and anole. The endangered 'mountain chicken' (a frog) is found only on Montserrat and Dominica. Several other species are restricted to Montserrat and some nearby islands. Read More